Written question asked by Peter Duncan (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Lord Darling of Roulanish (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the latest date would be by which the orders implementing the Boundary Commission for Scotland's report on Parliamentary Boundaries in Scotland would have to take effect in order for an election in May 2005 to be contested on the new parliamentary constituencies; what advice he has received from local authorities in Scotland about the period of time they would require prior to a general election in order for them to make the necessary arrangements for that election to be contested on the constituency boundaries recommended by the Boundary Commission for Scotland.

Answer: Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what the latest date would be by which the orders implementing the Boundary Commission for Scotland's report on Parliamentary Boundaries in Scotland would have to take effect in order for an election in May 2005 to be contested on the new parliamentary constituencies; [198336] (2) what advice he has received from local authorities in Scotland about the period of time they would require prior to a general election in order for them to make the necessary arrangements for that election to be contested on the constituency boundaries recommended by the Boundary Commission for Scotland. [198381] Mr. Darling: The Order in Council implementing the Boundary Commission for Scotland's report would need to be in force before dissolution of Parliament had been announced, if it were to affect the next general election. I have not received any advice from local authorities in Scotland on the time required prior to a general election for them to make the arrangements for that election to be contested on the new constituency boundaries.

Secondary information